USA > Michigan > Kent County > Grand Rapids > Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan: History and Account of Their Progress from First. Vol. II > Part 51
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improvements and has remodeled the residence and barn, and evi- dences of his good management and industry abound on every hand. Mr. Thompson has a high standing in the confidence of the people of the community, who have noted his progressiveness and integrity. He is a Republican in politics, has served in several school offices, and is at present acting as highway commissioner of his township. He was married April 2, 1889, to Viola Thomas, of Bowne township, whose parents are deceased. They have one son, Asahel.
Raymond Thompson .- During a long period of time Raymond Thompson was prominently identified with the agricultural industry in Kent county, but during more recent years he has spent a large part of his time in travel, his many years of industry having placed him in an independent position, in which he need consult only his own wishes and inclinations in regard to his occupation. He still makes his home at Cedar Springs, where he is well and favorably known, having for a number of years been the incumbent of various offices within the gift of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Thompson has the distinc- tion of being a native son of Kent county, having been born and reared in Solon township, where his father, a substantial citizen, was the owner of a farm. When he was but thirteen years of age, Ray- mond Thompson began to contribute to his own support, and for this reason his education was somewhat neglected in his youth, being con- fined to irregular attendance at the district schools. However, in later years, realizing the value of an education, he gave much time to study, reading and observation, so that he obtained a good educa- tion, and this has of recent years been greatly supplemented by his travels, during which he has acquired knowledge that makes him one of the best informed men of his community. Mr. Thompson's first work was in the shingle mills of northern Kent county, and later, like many other young men of his day and circumstances, he became a worker in the lumber camps. Gradually he drifted into farming, and this vocation gave him much prosperity, as a result of his indus- try and good management of his affairs. For years Mr. Thompson had cherished a desire for travel, and when he retired from active pursuits he indulged this wish and has since made frequent trips to various points of interest in this country. Not alone in his native township and county, but wherever he has gone, he has gained and held friends, an agreeable disposition and a likable personality hav- ing attracted others to him. Mr. Thompson is a stanch Republican and on the ticket of that party has been elected to a number of town- ship offices. His official public record is an excellent one and his service to his community and his fellow-citizens has been one well worthy of emulation. He was married Nov. 26, 1914, to Miss Hazel Sevey, who was born in Solon township, daughter of Lewis and Allie Dunton. They were natives of New York State and early in life set- tled in Solon township. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have a son, Park Raymond, born Sept. 30, 1916. Mrs. Thompson was a teacher of music for many years in the Kalamazoo Normal College.
George C. Thomson .- Still numbered among the younger mem- bers of the Grand Rapids legal fraternity, George C. Thomson has attained success in a city not lacking in men of high professional calibre. He was born at Cadillac, Mich., April 9, 1888, a son of Dr. A. J. and Annabelle (Campbell) Thomson. Dr. Thomson was edu-
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cated at London College, Ontario, Canada, and at the University of Michigan, and after several years spent in practice at Howell, Mich., moved to Cadillac, where he followed his profession during the re- mainder of his life and attained a large practice and more than a local reputation as a man of skill and ability in his calling. After at- tending the graded schools of Cadillac and the Saginaw High School, George C. Thomson entered the University of Michigan, in the Fall of 1909. While he made high marks in his studies, he was never ac- cused of being a grind, for in his freshman year he became a mem- ber of the freshman football team, and during his sophomore year made the varsity eleven, with which he played in 1910, 1911 and 1912, being captain of the famous team of the last-named year. Graduated with his degree in 1913, in that year he was admitted to the bar and immediately began practice in the office of the old and well-known law firm of Butterfield & Keeney, in order to secure the necessary legal experience before starting business for himself. He was con- nected with this concern until September, 1916, when he opened an office in the Michigan Trust building and commenced practice on his own account, and now enjoys a very successful general professional business and represents a number of prominent business firms and corporations. Mr. Thomson has thus far been too busy in establish- ing himself and in taking care of the duties of his clients to engage in public matters, but takes an interest in civic affairs and endeavors as a good citizen to assist in securing good officials and good laws. Mr. Thomson was married Jan. 5, 1915, to Miss Dorothy C., daugh- ter of F. A. and Carrie (Cummer) Diggins, of Cadillac, Mich., and they have one daughter, Dorothy Anne.
Augustin D. Thorp, president of the village of Sand Lake, was born at Coldbrook, Ohio, Nov. 30, 1870, son of James and Wealthy (Potter) Thorp, natives of that place. They came to Kent county and settled at Sand Lake in 1879, and the father followed farming for a time, afterward devoting his attention to teaming. Both he and his wife are now deceased. They were members of the Adventist church, and he was a Republican in his political affiliations. They were the parents of three children: Revilla M., widow of S. H. Field and now a resident of Shelby, Ind .; Susanna, wife of Charles F. Bennett, of Belmont, Mich .; and Augustin D., whose name introduces this paragraph. Augustin D. Thorp attended the district school and at the age of nineteen years started in life for himself, engaging in railroad and lumber work. On May 16, 1898, he enlisted as a soldier in Company L, Thirty-third Michigan infantry, for service in the Spanish-American war, and was in the two days' fight at Santiago, Cuba. He was discharged from the service Jan. 1, 1899, and has since followed carpentering and contracting work. He was married at Sand Lake, April 28, 1895, to Miss Nora M., daughter of William and Mary Hart, then of Solon township, but now residents of the vil- lage of Grant. Mrs. Thorp is the eldest of five children born to these parents, the others being: Mabel, Fred, Lulu, and Otto. Mr. and Mrs. Thorp have three children: Vernon, who married Ella Mc- Clasky and is farming in Nelson township; Leota, a teacher in the Sand Lake schools, and Lester, at home. Mr. Thorp is serving his second term as president of the village of Sand Lake, and he has
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served as township treasurer, two years, and also as member of the school board. He is a Republican in his political affiliations.
Frank Tisdel .- In every community there are to be found men who, by their prominent connection with affairs, the prosperity they have attained, or by reason of their long residence, have achieved prominence. Nearly forty years have passed since Frank Tisdel first came to the vicinity of his present home in Nelson township, and since that time he has been a prominent factor in agricultural af- fairs, in which he has gained his full meed of success. He was born in Grand Rapids township, Kent county, Michigan, Nov. 3, 1856, son of John S. Tisdel. His father was born in Steuben county, New York, Sept. 10, 1822, and being possessed of neither means nor influ- ential friendships, was forced in his youth to work as a day laborer. This kind of work he followed until he reached the age of twenty- five years when, feeling that he wished to be independent and his own employer, he struck out for the West and, in 1847, reached Grand Rapids. He worked hard and saved his wages until he was able to invest in land of his own and for a time engaged in farming, but sub- sequently removed to Cedar Springs and embarked in the hotel busi- ness as the proprietor of the Cedar Springs House. This he con- ducted with some success for about five years, but eventually disposed of it and resumed farming and followed that occupation until his death, in 1902. Mr. Tisdel married Miss Elizabeth Sage, daughter of William Sage, of New York, who never came to Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Tisdel became the parents of the following children: Alice, deceased, who married Abner Hanscom, of Towner, N. D., and had a daughter, Mary, who married Lieutenant-Governor Devine, of North Dakota, who entered the governor's chair at the death of that official and acted in that capacity for the unexpired term; Loraine, who mar- ried William Sumner, of Cassell, Mich., postmaster there for several years, and has three children-Mildred, Hadley Clifford, and Vida; Ella, who died in 1892 as the wife of John Patrick, of Cedarburg, a carpenter by trade who followed farming until going to South Da- kota, where he was engaged in railroad construction work, and had four children - Edith, Inga, Lura and Alice; and Frank. Frank Tisdel received his education in the public schools of Cedar Springs and first worked in the lumber woods for two years. In 1879 he came to his present property, and at that time almost in its virgin state, as there had been but little clearing done. He settled down to the work of making a home for himself and a fertile farm, and his 240-acre tract is now all cleared and boasts of excellent improvements, includ- ing a set of commodious buildings, modern equipment and machinery and all the comforts and conveniences that go with modern country life in the home of the successful agriculturist. Mr. Tisdel has worked hard for his success and it has been honorably attained. To assist him he has had an inherest business ability and a natural love of industry, and his career should prove an example and incentive to those who are starting life without assistance. Mr. Tisdel married Miss Dora Hillman, daughter of Sam F. and Elizabeth Hillman, of
New York State. Mr. Hillman came to Michigan in 1852, settling in Nelson township, Kent county, and there both he and Mrs. Hillman passed the remaining years of their lives in agricultural pursuits. To Mr. and Mrs. Tisdel have been born these children: John, a farmer
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of Grand Ledge, Mich., who is married; Seth, living at Stanwood, Mich., where he conducts a barber business, married Rhoda Miller, of Nelson township; Lavantia; Jesse, who married Lillie Parker, has three children-Irwin, Louise and Thena-and is engaged in farming ; Ruby, living at home on the parental place, married Hallen Howard, of Nelson township, and has one child; and Elma, still attending school. Mr. Tsidel has never sought public recognition as an official, having been content to show his citizenship in other ways. He be- lieves in progressive measures, however, and is willing to back with his ability, his energy and his means, all measures which make for advancement. In politics he backs the candidates of the Republican party.
Abner S. Tomkins .- Among the men who came to Kent county in the early '70s and have since assisted in the development of this great region of Michigan, one who is well known as an agriculturist is Abner S. Tomkins. He is now living practically retired as to ac- tive labor, but has large interests in land and lumber and is still an active participant in the civic life of his community, where he has served with honor and distinction in public offices for many years. Mr. Tomkins was born at Fulton City, Oswego county, New York, Aug. 19, 1847. His father was William Harrison Tomkins, who was born in Madison county, New York, in 1818. In his younger years he followed various vocations, including that of cooper, but on coming to Michigan, in 1870, settled down to farming and continued to be so engaged during the remainder of his life. His land at the time of his arrival was covered with a heavy growth of timber, which, as it was cleared off, was used by the family for fuel, the settlers of that date not realizing the value of this precious lumber. Mr. Tom- kins was a man of industry and integrity and was highly thought of in his community, as was also his worthy wife. She bore the maiden name of Hannah Alice Simmons, and was born in Madison county, New York, daughter of Bronel S. Simmons, a York State farmer. There were six children in the family: Abner S .; Henry H., for- merly a farmer but now living in retirement at Reed City, Mich .; Ma- rion C., a farmer in Madison county, New York; Byron L., who died at the age of seven years; Squire S., who is engaged in agricultural pursuits, and Edward, deceased. Abner S. Tomkins received a pub- lic school education and his youth and young manhood were passed in his native state, where he received training in several lines of en- deavor. Then his parents struck out for the West, and he came to Michigan two years later, and bought the farm where he now lives. Later he embarked in the lumber business, and these two industries have furnished him with the means of working out a well-won suc- cess, he today being considered one of the substantial men of his com- munity. Mr. Tomkins was married, first to Amanda Van Akin, and of this union were born five children: Clara A., Clarence, Millard L., Thomas H. and Ernest C. His second marriage was to Fannie M. Mohr, and four children were born to them-Ruth E., Basil E., Gert- rude M. and Marcus H. Mr. Tompins has taken an active part in civic affairs during a long period, having been a justice of the peace for fourteen years and treasurer of the school board for four decades. His public service has been excellent and his citizenship splendid. As a voter he gives his support to the Republican party. He was bap-
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tised in the Baptist church at Hamilton, Madison county, New York State, but in 1888 joined the Children of Zion church at Grand Rap- ids. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. for many years.
Squire S. Tompkins .- Among the native sons of New York who have won success and occupy enviable and prominent positions in their various communities, one who has represented the forceful and progressive element of his state is Squire S. Tompkins, who is now engaged in farming in the vicinity of Sand Lake. His salient charac- teristics are determination, diligence and keen sagacity, and upon these he has builded his prosperity, winning high and well-merited success. Mr. Tompkins was born in the town of Vawley, Oswego county, New York, Feb. 11, 1857, son of William H. Tompkins. The father was a farmer in his native county of Madison, in the Empire State, and came to Michigan in the early days, settling in Kent county, where he continued to follow agricultural and other work. During the greater part of the time he resided here his home was in Nelson township, where he became widely and favorably known because of his industry and unfailing integrity. Mr. Tompkins married Miss Hannah Simons, daughter of Brownell Simons, and there were six children in their family, the names of whom will be found in the sketch of the life of A. S. Tomkins, on another page of this work, in which also will be found further history of the family. Squire S. Tompkins received his education in the public schools of Nelson township and was brought up to habits of industry and honesty. The former led him to early take his place among the world's workers and to endeavor to accomplish each task in a worthy and accurate man- ner, while the latter soon gained him a splendid reputation and as- sisted him materially in his climb. For a time he was employed in the lumber woods, where he built up his body in the hard labor at- tendant thereto, and subsequently he also engaged in cutting shingles. Likewise he turned his attention to clearing land and numerous other work that offered a fair compensation for honest toil. He was thrifty and ambitious (and eventually accumulated sufficient means with which to embark in farming on his own account, choosing as his scene of endeavor, Nelson township, where he has spent practically all of his life. He has succeeded in his farming operations and is ac- counted one of the well-to-do men of his community, his farm being a model one, with up-to-date comforts and conveniences and modern improvements and buildings. Mr. Tompkins married Miss Henrietta Misner, daughter of Henry and Catherine Misner, who came from Germany and became farmers of Kent county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins have been born the following children: William, who resides with his parents and is his father's assistant in operating the home farm; Eva, wife of Ray Lewis, has two children-Lloyd and Dora; Lula; Maggie, who mar- ried R. O. Sarbey and has two children-Squire and Gaylord; Adelia, who is unmarried and lives with her parents; Emma, deceased; and Barbara, wife of Harry Duenner, a traveling salesman with head- quarters at Grand Rapids. Mr. Tompkins is a Democrat, but has not been particularly interested in politics save as a voter. He is frater- nally affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees, and he has mem- bership with the Congregational church.
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Jarvis C. Train .- Something more than a simple announcement and a passing remark is due to the memory of an individual who was not only one of the most prominent men of Lowell, but who by rea- son of an extended residence there was as familiar to the people as their own household gods. As much as any other man, perhaps, he contributed to the upbuilding and development of the community, and as the years have passed since his death there has been no hint of any stain or blemish upon his business or personal record. Farm- ing, horse raising, the grain business and other commercial enter- prises, all occupied his attention and benefitted by his activities, while he was likewise prominent in politics and public life and an influential factor in securing for Lowell some of its earliest transportation facili- ties. Mr. Train was born at Tunbridge, Orange county, Vermont, July 8, 1834, son of Sylvester and Lucinda Train, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Vermont. His father, a farmer by vocation, removed from Vermont to South Boston, Mich., in 1840, and there passed the remaining years of his life in agricultural pur- suits. The public schools of South Boston furnished Jarvis C. Train with his educational training, and when his studies were completed he immediately engaged in farming, which he followed for several years. Indeed, he never lost his affection for the soil, and even though out- side interests distracted his attention he continued to own and operate land, and at the time of his death had a farm of 600 acres in Michi- gan and a valuable property in Arkansas. On coming to Lowell, Mr. Train embarked in the grain and elevator business, and a large part of his substantial fortune was accumulated through the medium of buying and selling grain. He built the Train elevator, one of the best- known enterprises of this locality, and was at its head during a long period, guiding its policies with a sure hand and a capable brain, and winning public confidence by his straightforward methods of doing business. He also became one of the county's prominent horsemen, dealt extensively in fine animals, and owned sixty head when his death occurred. It was in connection with this business that he met his death, for it came as a direct result of a kick from one of his ani- mals. In addition to the elevator, Mr. Train contributed to the up- building of Lowell, the Lowell Opera House and the Hotel Waverly, and in numerous other ways showed his public spirit and civic pride. He was one of the original organizers and directors of the Kalamazoo, Lowell & Northern Michigan railroad, and it was largely through his hard and energetic work, as well as his financial influence, that the road was induced to build to this point. In political matters he al- ways took an interest, although more as a supporter of Democrat party and personal friends than as a seeker for personal preferment. When he died, March 10, 1906, the village lost one who had been a friend to all its enterprises and institutions and who had won success among its citizens in a manly and honorable way. Mr. Train was married April 6, 1856, to Elizabeth, daughter and only child of Charles and Laura Warren, of Brimfield, Mass., who, coming to Kent county at a very early date, took up land here and continued to be engaged in farming during the remainder of their lives. They both died in Lowell. Mrs. Train, who survives her husband, is one of the best- known ladies of Lowell, where she resides in the comfortable family home, surrounded by numerous friends.
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Philip H. Travis .- During more than a quarter of a century Philip H. Travis has been engaged in the general practice of law in the city of Grand Rapids. Mr. Travis was born at Hartford, Mich., Jan. 3, 1865, son of John W. Travis. His early education was secured in the public schools, following which he entered the University of Michigan, graduating in the law department of that institution with the class of 1890. He began practice at Grand Rapids in the same year, as a member of the firm of Montgomery, Bundy & Travis, and this association continued until 1892, when, upon the election of Mr. Montgomery to the Supreme Court, the firm became Bundy & Travis. At present he is senior member of the firm of Travis, Merrick, War- ner & Johnson, with offices in the Michigan Trust Company build- ing. He is a member of the Kent County Bar Association, the Michi- gan Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.
David W. Troy was born in Caledonia township, Dec. 9, 1863, son of John C. and Bridget (Maloy) Troy, natives of Ireland. As young people these parents came to America and were married in Jackson, Mich., where they resided for a time and later removed to Kent county and settled where their son, David W., now resides. There the father purchased 160 acres of wild land which he cleared and developed into a productive farm and pleasant home where he and his wife rounded out their lives and died. They became the par- ents of eight children: Ed., the eldest, is a physician, formerly in practice at Detroit, but now at McAllister, Okla., where he owns and manages a hospital; Mother Catherine, of Oklahoma City; Sister Frances, of Krebs, Okla .; David W .; Rev. John E., located at Bay City, where he is pastor of St. James' church; Winnie, wife of James Abraham, of Grattan township; Rev. Patrick, a teacher in a college at Omaha, Neb .; and Katie, who died at the age of twelve years. Da- vid W. Troy attended the district schools in Caledonia township and then taught in the public schools for two years. On Oct. 13, 1904, he was married to Miss Agnes M. Huver, who was born in Allegan county, daughter of Barney and Catherine (Miller) Huver. These parents were natives of Canada, who came to Allegan county and made their home there the remainder of their lives. They had thir- teen children: Lewis J., a machinist in Battle Creek; Priscilla, wife of William Leedy, of Caledonia township; Peter, a farmer of near Allegan; Elizabeth, deceased at the age of four years; Edmund, a blacksmith at Middleville; Mrs. Troy; Noah, a farmer in Gaines township ; Rev. Leo A., of Detroit; Julia, at home; Frances and Flor- ence, deceased ; Mary, wife of Thomas Young, of Grand Rapids; and Alfred, who works on the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Troy have an adopted daughter, Mary Ruth. They are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Troy is a Democrat in his political views. Frater- nally he is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Modern Woodmen.
Edwin F. Uhl, who during a long period was one of the leading members of the Michigan bar and at one time a prominent figure in diplomatic circles of the country, was born at Rush, near Avon Springs, N. Y., Aug. 14, 1841, and was three years of age when brought to Michigan by his parents, his father, David M. Uhl, mak- ing his home on a farm "on the plains," just east of the city of Ypsi- lanti. In that neighborhood Edwin F. grew up, receiving his early
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education in the district schools, and when thirteen years of age en- tered Ypsilanti Seminary, being not quite seventeen when he com- pleted his course, and, even at that age, a leader of his class in ora- tory. He entered the University of Michigan in 1858, taking a class- ical course and graduating in 1862, with a most creditable college record, and immediately thereafter he took up the study of law in the office of Norris & Minde, at Ypsilanti. In 1864 he was admitted to the bar of Michigan before the Supreme Court of the state, and for about thirty years thereafter was in continuous practice, advancing steadily to the front ranks of the profession. In 1866 Mr. Uhl formed a partnership with Hon. Lyman D. Norris, then of Ypsilanti, and this relation continued until 1871, when Mr. Norris moved to Grand Rap- ids. During that and the succeeding year, Mr. Uhl was prosecuting attorney for the county of Washtenaw, and in 1873 he became asso- ciated with Albert E. Crane, a partnership which continued until 1876, when Mr. Uhl came to Grand Rapids and resumed his associa- tion with Mr. Norris. This relation remained unchanged for eleven years. In the meantime Mr. Uhl was made president of the Grand Rapids National Bank and became identified with numerous indus- trial and financial enterprises as a stockholder and director, having come into contact with numerous business men and financiers in the course of his professional work in the courts. In 1887 Mr. Norris retired from the firm of Norris & Uhl and Mr. Uhl once more be- came the associate of Albert E. Crane, who had also come to Grand Rapids, this continuing until October, 1893. In politics Mr. Uhl was a stanch Democrat and took more than a perfunctory interest in the affairs of his party, and in 1890 and 1891 served as mayor of Grand Rapids, giving the city an excellent administration, filled with pro- gressive movements and excellent government. He was tendered, in 1893, a high position in the United States war department, but re- fused on the grounds that he was entirely unfamiliar with military affairs, and later he was asked to accept a military post abroad, which he also declined. During the illness of Secretary of State Gresham, Mr. Uhl occupied that position for a time, having been appointed assistant secretary of state in October, 1893. In 1895 he went abroad and traveled over a large part of the European continent, inspecting the consular service, and in February, 1896, was appointed American ambassador plenipotentiary to the German Empire. He remained in Berlin until 1897, when he was succeeded by Hon. Andrew D. White. Returning to the United States at that time, Mr. Uhl resumed his law practice at Grand Rapids and Chicago, at Chicago as a member of the firm of Uhl, Jones & Landis, and at Grand Rapids with Uhl, Hyde & Earle. In 1899 he withdrew from the Chicago firm and continued his connection at Grand Rapids for several years longer, but finally retired, and he died at this city May 17, 1901. He joined the Episcopal church while still a resident of Ypsilanti and at Grand Rapids belonged to St. Mark's congregation of that denomination. Mr. Uhl was married May 1, 1865, to Miss Alice Follett, of Ypsilanti, daughter of Hon. Benjamin Follett, and they became the parents of four children : Lucy F., wife of Daniel R. Wood, of San Jose, Cal .; David Edwin, a resident of Grand Rapids; Alice Edwina, wife of Earl D. Babst, of New York City ; and Marshall Mortimer.
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